Lochnagaahhhh...

Well the Winter That Keeps On Giving gave another superb day's ski touring on Lochnagar on Saturday. An early (ish) start got us to Glen Muick by 8.30 where we were greeted by the unexpected sight of veteran AMC member Denis wandering around the almost empty car park. Turned out that in addition to the official club meet to Dundonnell this weekend there was also an outing of the Camper Van Section, who we generally asleep in the upper car park. 

We headed out on the normal route and for the first time saw an avalanche warning for the path around the loch! Skis went on just after the woods and the ascent to the bealach between Little Pap and Cuidhe Crom was straightforward with just a dusting of fresh on a firm base. Even the normally boulders slope above that was easy as everying high up was plastered. It really wasn't like skiing in Scotland - blue sky, warm sun and fantastic snow.

Starting the ascent

Looking SW from Cuidhe Crom

Lochnagar (R) and The Stuic (L)

 

Top of Black Spout left branch

Around on the summit we met another AMC-er, Austin, who was enthusiastically snow-shooing about the place. After a leisurely lunch it was fun time. First a cracking descent down towards Glas Allt Sheil, stopping as the glen flattened out. Then skins back on and up to join our ascent route N of Little Pap. Another great descent right down through the woods and with a bit of creative heather-hopping back to the bridge over the River Muick. Only down side was I forgot the camera so these shots are from the phone.

Skining back up towards Little Pap